Tunnel Falls Adventure: Oregon's Ultimate Hiking Experience

Journey through the recovering burn area of Eagle Creek to witness the mesmerizing Tunnel Falls, an experience accentuated by verdant mossy cliffs and multiple waterfalls.

Last updated: May 2024

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Free access with required Northwest Forest Pass
More than 500 Miles from you
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Description

The Tunnel Falls via Eagle Creek trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience in the heart of Oregon's Columbia Gorge. This 13.6-mile round-trip trek is marked by its challenging terrain, featuring extreme cliffs and a narrow, cliff-hugging path that leads to the stunning 172-foot Tunnel Falls. The trail passes through a recovering burn area, adding a unique aspect to the hike as nature rejuvenates itself. Highlights include the cliffside walk with chains for support, numerous small waterfalls along the way, and the breathtaking Tunnel Falls itself, where hikers can walk behind the cascading water through a natural rock tunnel.

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Itinerary

Start at the Eagle Creek Trailhead: Located off Interstate 84, park and prepare for the hike.
Navigate the Trail: Follow the marked trail, enjoying smaller waterfalls and lush greenery. Use chains for support on narrow cliff sections.
Arrive at Tunnel Falls: Experience the awe of Tunnel Falls, where you can walk behind the waterfall.
Optional Extension to Twister Falls: For those wishing to extend their hike, continue to Twister Falls before turning back.
Return: Retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Location

Oregon 97014

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Packing List

Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
Water and electrolytes (1 liter of water per 2 hours of hiking)
Snacks and energy foods
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
Camera or smartphone for photos
Emergency kit (first aid, whistle, etc.)

4.7 ● Google reviews

This waterfall is incredible and worth the time to get there! The hike itself is actually pretty easy, it's just long but no real sections of severe incline or anything. Not a kid or pet-friendly trail due to the rocky nature of the trail and some very steep drop-offs. Overall this is a great way to spend a day!

Long hike back to the tunnel falls but worth every step! We saw so many other falls along the way. There isn’t much tree cover due to the fires so I would recommend going early or bringing sun gear. It was about 11 miles total for us to get to the falls. There is a fall called “twister falls” that is just past the tunnel and is totally worth the extra few minutes of hiking

First time visit after the fire. It restores well after the fire, and as beautiful as before. The hike is not strenuous, no steep incline. Go early in the morning, because this is popular hiking spot and although there are 3 parking lots, they still fill up fast. 7 miles one way, this is out and back trail.

This was and is my favorite hike in the Northwest Oregon region. I have not been out since the fires in the area so I am not sure how the trail held up or where they’re at with restoring it. I hope to return soon and hike this great trail again. The trail to Tunnel Falls itself is just over 6 miles out. So plan on over 12 miles round trip if you’d like to see the falls. The trail does continue on further however if you’d like to make the journey longer. There are some slight inclines but nothing over the top or that makes you feel like you’re scaling a mountain. After the first mile or so the crowd tends to thin out and if you decide to go further than Tunnel Falls there is hardly anyone. Parking can be difficult on busy days but usually you can find a spot not to far away from the start of the trail. Tons of waterfalls you’ll walk by including punch bowl falls. Take plenty of snacks and hydration along with you as this is an all day hike for most if you’re planning on making it out to the falls and back.

This is a 6.7 mile hike to the hidden falls from the first parking lot one way. I recommend to start hike early due to parking spots fill up quick and it a small parking lot. If you don’t get a parking spot in the first parking lot the you have to park a little bit further which is 0.5 miles away. Most of the trail is muddy so proper shoes recommend.

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